Big Brothers Big Sisters forges alliance with Houston YMCA

HOUSTON – Tim Garza was heartbroken after the 14-year-old boy he was matched with through Big Brothers Big Sisters was shot.

De'un was doing well in school and was showing promising athletic ability when a neighborhood kid shot him in the foot. De'un's grades began to drop and Garza, 29, decided to approach the YMCA of Greater

Garza suggested a partnership between BBBS and the YMCA, in which Bigs and Littles could go to the YMCA free of charge.

Realizing that many young people need regular exposure to positive role models, executives at both organizations instantly embraced the idea.

Wednesday marks the beginning of a partnership that will give Bigs and Littles free memberships to all 30 YMCAs in the Greater Houston area.

“The YMCA cannot be more excited to open its doors to Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. “We can’t think of a more natural fit between two organizations, which at their core strive to give children the tools to lead successful lives.”

The program is meant to encourage more adults to become mentors and enrich the lives of the children with whom they are working.

"This is just a very exciting opportunity," Heather Saucier, with the YMCA of Houston, said.

With his foot nearly healed, De’un, now 16, said he is looking forward to going to the YMCA on a regular basis.

“They are all real nice people there,” he said of the Houston Texans YMCA, 5202 Griggs Road, the center closest to his home. “I feel comfortable around them. If it weren’t for the Y, I’d just be around the house with nothing to do except watch TV.”

Now, the rising sophomore, who has won top honors at his high school for his athletic achievements, can resume his workouts with people who offer unconditional support.

“The YMCA is a place to go after school and during the summer that is a much safer alternative to being on the street,” Garza said. “The more De’un is surrounded by positive people, the more his perspective on life will change. Sometimes all kids know about the world is their own neighborhood.”

Having grown up in Houston’s BBBS program with a Big Sister to guide her, Michelle Williams, the grandmother of De’un, wants her grandson to have a mentor as well. “He doesn’t have a male figure around here. This keeps him motivated. Every time his phone pings, he rushes over to see who it is,” she said. “I try to keep positive role models in his life.”

Currently there are some 900 kids in our area still waiting for a Big Brother Big Sister.

If you would like to volunteer to be a mentor, you can call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 713-271-5683.

Or you can go to their website at www.bbbstx.org.